Latest news with #Post-Covid-19DevelopmentStrategy2030
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Kuching airport access road to ease traffic by September
KUCHING: The construction of an eight-kilometer access road connecting Jalan Datuk Mohamad Musa in Kota Samarahan to the southern access road of the airport is expected to be fully completed this September. Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the road, which is categorised as a federal road, will serve as an alternative route to alleviate the frequent traffic congestion between Kota Samarahan and Kuching. 'The current progress is at 96 percent, with only four percent remaining, which involves the installation of road equipment and lights. I understand the entire project can be completed next month,' he told reporters after an official working visit to the project site today. He also stated that the development agenda for the 13th Malaysia Plan under his ministry in Sarawak will be aligned with the state's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said infrastructure development like roads, education, health, and industries are among the priorities under this plan, in line with the Sarawak State Government's commitment to drive the green energy and sustainable technology sectors. 'The 13th Malaysia Plan document clearly states that Sarawak and Sabah will become energy industry hubs. Therefore, the implementation of infrastructure projects like this is crucial,' he said. Commenting on his ministry's role, Nanta said the Ministry of Works (KKR), through the Public Works Department (JKR), plays a significant role as the primary implementer of national infrastructure development. 'Besides building roads, JKR also assists other ministries like the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health in building and repairing schools, colleges, hospitals, and clinics,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari calls on local communities to help protect Sarawak's forests
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has called on local communities to play a greater role in conserving and protecting forests, which he described as vital reservoirs of natural resources. He said the Sarawak government places strong emphasis on the sustainable management of its natural assets, in line with its development goals. "Under our Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), we have included environmental sustainability as one of the three core pillars. This means we must implement our policies with full consideration of environmental concerns," he said at the state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) celebration at the Forest Research Centre near here today. "I just returned from Japan a few days ago, where I had the opportunity to speak about our sustainability blueprint and our efforts to produce clean, renewable energy for global use. "This was during a global hydrogen conference, and we are fortunate that participating countries acknowledged Sarawak's efforts in contributing to a greener global environment," he said. Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has formulated and implemented various green policies and initiatives that aim to balance development with conservation, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda. He said the state's green policy is a strategic response to the dual challenges of climate change and the need to align economic development with environmental preservation. "One of the key focuses of this policy is Sarawak's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," he said. He added that the state is working to build a green economy, anchored in the production of green hydrogen, adoption of low-carbon technologies, and nature-based solutions that support sustainable growth. Through the advancement of the hydrogen economy, Sarawak is tapping into its vast hydropower resources to produce green hydrogen, positioning itself as a regional leader in clean and renewable energy solutions. Abang Johari said ongoing efforts are also being made to reduce waste, promote material reuse, and improve solid waste management practices. He added that these efforts are being carried out in close collaboration with local authorities and communities, to ensure a more sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management system. "However, the responsibility for green policies does not rest with the government alone. "It requires active participation from all levels of society, including government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, NGOs, and the grassroots community," he said. "This is why environmental education from an early stage is so important — to ensure the younger generation understands, appreciates, and adopts sustainable values in their daily lives," he added.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Education, talent development remain pillars of Sarawak's growth
Sagah looks at a model rocket made by secondary school students at the event. – Photo by Galileo Petingi KUCHING (July 5): Education and human capital development remain as key pillars in Sarawak's development agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said both areas form the foundation for transforming the state's socio-economic landscape through talent cultivation, innovation, and community empowerment, in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He noted that efforts under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021–2025 have already begun to bear fruit, especially in enhancing the education ecosystem, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and promoting a culture of innovation. 'Looking ahead, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030 will represent the final phase of PCDS 2030's implementation. 'Preparations are underway through consultations involving various ministries, industries, academic institutions, and civil society to ensure a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking strategy with human capital development at its core. 'Overall, 13MP will prioritise education and skills development to meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy. 'By nurturing a future-ready workforce and strengthening local innovation, we aim to elevate Sarawak's global competitiveness and the quality of life of its people,' he said during the opening of the Sarawak Career and Training Fair 2025 (SCaT Fair 2025) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today. His text-of-speech was read by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. Abang Johari further highlighted several state-led initiatives to strengthen the education and human capital sector, including the introduction of the Dual Language Programme Assessment Test (UP-DLP) for Year 6 pupils starting this October, covering Science, Mathematics, and English subjects. 'In line with our commitment to educational equity, we have also introduced the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP) under MEITD to support lower secondary students, especially those in Forms 3 to 5, who perform less well in the Academic Session Final Examination (UASA). 'SEEP's goal is to improve SPM outcomes, increase the number of students in the science stream, and ensure a pathway to higher education,' he said. He also announced that starting next year, the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will be rolled out at state-owned higher learning institutions, focusing on STEM and professional fields. 'This is a strategic investment in human capital and a signal that Sarawak is preparing a future-ready workforce,' he added. The Premier also stressed that talent development extends beyond classroom learning. In this regard, the Industry Continuous Professional Development (iCPD) programme will continue, with this year's focus on training Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Coordinators. On the exhibition itself, Abang Johari described SCaT Fair as a vital platform linking youth aspirations with real opportunities within Sarawak's growing innovation ecosystem—including digital economy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy sectors. He also thanked MEITD and the Sarawak Foundation for Economic Empowerment (Tegas) for their continued efforts in organising the fair. . STEM abang johari education human capital development Roland Sagah
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: Talent development key to Sarawak's economic transformation
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is conducting a comprehensive talent development policy study to strengthen the state's workforce pipeline, from early education to lifelong learning, in line with its Post Covid-19Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the study, led by the state Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), aims to produce a technically skilled, agile and future ready workforce to drive Sarawak's economic transformation. "The goal is to produce a technically skilled, agile, innovative and future-ready workforce that will drive Sarawak's economic transformation and ensure long-term sustainability, in line with the goals of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said. His speech was delivered by State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn at the opening of the 11th Sarawak Career and Training Fair (S-CAT Fair) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Abang Johari said PCDS 2030 provides a solid foundation for reshaping Sarawak's socio-economic landscape, with a strong emphasis on talent development, innovation, and community empowerment. He said this vision is already taking shape through several transformative initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), particularly in strengthening the education ecosystem, advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and fostering a culture of innovation. "Looking ahead, the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) will mark the second and final phase of PCDS 2030," he said. Preparations for the plan are underway, involving extensive consultations with ministries, industries, academia, and civil society to develop an inclusive, forward-looking, and comprehensive strategy that places human capital development at the heart of Sarawak's growth agenda. "Broadly, the 13MP will adopt a multifaceted approach with a strong focus on education and skills development to meet the needs of a modern, knowledge-based economy. "By nurturing a future-ready workforce and encouraging local innovation, we are enhancing Sarawak's global competitiveness and improving the quality of life," he said. Abang Johari said the state aims to build a high-income society that is digitally driven and environmentally sustainable. He stressed that the jobs and industries of the future will require a workforce that is adaptable, creative, and skilled in harnessing advanced technologies. On the S-CAT Fair, he said it plays a vital role in bridging the aspirations of Sarawak's youth with emerging opportunities across the innovation ecosystem, from advanced manufacturing and biotechnology to the digital economy and renewable energy. The event is jointly organised by MEITD and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS).
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Affin Bank launches Satok branch, marking confidence in Kuching's development vision
Wan Lizozman (fifth right) and Agil, on his left, and other Affin Bank officials gather for a group photo during the opening ceremony. KUCHING (June 24): Affin Bank Berhad opened a new branch in Jalan Satok yesterday, recognising the area's growing strategic importance as a commercial and administrative centre hub in the state capital. The launch was officiated by State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'Satok has long been a central part of Sarawak's development story. 'For over four decades, the constituency was represented by the Premier. The transformation seen here ― from revitalised markets to restored landmarks like the Satok Suspension Bridge ― reflects his visionary leadership,' he said in his speech. He noted that Satok is fast becoming a key node for connectivity and commerce, given its proximity to Petra Jaya, the upcoming Kuching Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) station, and the Hikmah Exchange. The opening of the branch, he said, demonstrates Affin Bank's alignment with Sarawak's urban renewal, digitalisation, and inclusive economic growth goals. Wan Lizozman also urged the bank to continue supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through targeted financing, advisory services, and digital tools, citing their vital role in the state's economic development. 'SMEs are central to Sarawak's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. Through tailored financing, digital solutions, and advisory support, Affin can empower local business to innovate, grow, and compete,' he said. He further encouraged the bank to extend its outreach to underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, in order to strengthen financial inclusion and bridge access gaps in banking services. He said Affin's growing presence in Sarawak reflects confidence in the state's economic direction and Satok's transformation under the Premier's long-standing leadership. 'Affin's continued investment in Sarawak ― including digital platforms, SME-focused programmes, and financial literacy efforts ― can help drive the state's transformation into a high-income, innovation-driven economy by 2030. 'I am confident we are heading towards a more inclusive and digitally connected future,' he added. Also present at the launch were Affin Bank chairman Dato' Agil Natt, Affin Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, as well as senior officials from Affin Group and Kuching City North Commission (DBKU). Affin Bank Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar new branch Satok
